A Cole for Christmas

KYM Marsh is to star alongside singing sensation Cheryl Cole in a special one-off Coronation Street clip to help raise money for children.

The former X Factor judge will head to Weatherfield for ITV’s Text Santa programme to be screened from 8pm on Friday, December 20.

In the storyline Cheryl goes to the Rovers Return, looking for her childhood friend, barmaid Tina, played by Michelle Keegan and aiming to take her up to Newcastle to celebrate Christmas but things do not go according to plan.

Cheryl said: “It has always been part of my life, we’d all watch it as kids every night. It’s surreal to be part of something I’ve watched my whole life.

“It’s great to be able to support six wonderful charities and I really hope that this year’s appeal makes a difference to many lives.”

The clip also stars Simon Gregson (Steve), and Andy Whyment (Kirk).

Text Santa is hosted by Ant and Dec, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, Christine Bleakley and Paddy McGuinness and will feature an appearance by Robbie Williams. The show will be raising cash for six UK-based charities.

Further details are at www.textsanta.co.uk.

Meanwhile, Kym is keeping busy following her split with husband Jamie Lomas.

She has been going to the gym three times a week.

She told Closer magazine: “I am trying to keep a saggy bottom at bay!

“I felt sluggish so I started seeing a personal trainer in June.

“I’ve now lost 10lbs and I follow a low-carb diet - I don’t eat bread or pasta and only a bit of brown rice.”

The 37-year-old also admitted she is concerned about turning 40.

She said: “It freaks me out a bit! I had a crisis when I turned 30 because I felt like I was becoming a grown up. And 40 is a case of ‘where am I heading now?’ I still feel 21.”

The Ashton actress has also consulted a celebrity psychic, Donna Robinson, for advice on her troubled marriage, after she reportedly filed for divorce.

Donna wrote on Twitter: “Celebrity reading with Kym Marsh today she is a wonderful person.”